strikken

Strikken is a Dutch word with two primary uses: as a verb meaning to tie, knot, or fasten something, and as a noun meaning a bow or ribbon used as a decorative knot on clothing, gifts, or hair.

As a verb, strikken describes the act of tying by forming a knot or bow. It is used for everyday actions such as strikken shoelaces or strikken a ribbon around a package, and for decorative or ceremonial bindings such as strikken a bow on a present or on clothing. The verb is transitive and requires an object to be tied.

As a noun, a strik is a bow or ribbon. The plural form strikken refers to multiple bows or ribbons. Strikken are common as fashion accessories (for example, hair bows and bow ties), in gift wrapping, and in crafts. The expression een strik maken refers to the act of tying a bow, while een strik dragen describes wearing a bow or ribbon.

In everyday language, strikken appears in contexts ranging from practical tasks, like fastening shoelaces, to stylistic choices, such as adding a decorative bow to attire or presents. The term is widely understood in Dutch-speaking regions and appears in dictionaries and language resources as both a verb and a noun with related uses in fashion, packaging, and arts and crafts.